Elizabeth Edwards Dies at 61

By Brian Snyder/Reuters.Elizabeth Edwards, best-selling author, health-care activist, and estranged wife of 2008 presidential candidate John Edwards, has died this morning after a six-year battle with cancer. Just yesterday, the Edwards family released a statement announcing that Edwards’s breast cancer had spread and that doctors were advising against pursuing treatment. It was also reported yesterday that her family, including her daughter Cate, a 28-year-old lawyer and former Vanity Fair staffer, traveled to Edwards’s home in North Carolina to be by her side.

“The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered,” Elizabeth wrote on Facebook yesterday. “We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know.”

Just a few minutes ago, the Edwards family released the following message:“Elizabeth Anania Edwards, mother, author, advocate died today at her home in Chapel Hill, surrounded by her family.

Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth’s presence but she remains the heart of this family.

We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life.

On behalf of Elizabeth we want to express our gratitude to the thousands of kindred spirits who moved and inspired her along the way. Your support and prayers touched our entire family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wade Edwards Foundation which benefits the Wade Edwards Learning Lab.”